10 pages from inside this book
Jeffrey Loves Blue
- Subject
- Social Themes - Emotions & Feelings
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Owlkids Books Inc.
- Size
- 21.0 cm × 28.0 cm
- ISBN
- 9781771475617
In art class, a boy finds the courage to leave his comfort zone, try something new, and do something nice for a friend
Sometimes, Jeffrey fixates on certain likes and dislikes. For example, he is very attached to the colour blue. He wears blue socks, blue underwear, a blue hat, and—of course!—blue jeans. At painting class, he paints only in blue. But when his classmate, Keiko, wants to use the blue paint, Jeffrey will have to try a different color. With some gentle coaxing, the narrator helps him navigate his emotions, encouraging him to consider Keiko’s feelings.
This story explores how something that seems simple for some people can be very complicated for others. Jeffrey’s caregiver provides choice, time, and space to help Jeffrey process his emotions. The focus of the story is not about getting rid of Jeffrey’s fixation—it’s about widening his perspective to help a friend, which encourages empathy and compromise.
Delightfully simple and captivating illustrations contextualize Jeffrey’s experience, inviting readers into his thought processes as he works through his difficult decision.
About the creators
Loretta GarbuttAuthor
LORETTA GARBUTT developed her passion for children’s books while working as a storyteller, bookseller, and reviewer. Her picture books include A Stopwatch from Grampa and And J.J. Slept. Loretta writes from her home in Toronto, Ontario, and believes that finding the perfect words is just as challenging as choosing the perfect colors.
Lily Snowden-FineIllustrator
LILY SNOWDEN-FINE is a painter and illustrator from Vancouver, British Columbia. She illustrated the picture book The Deepest Dig and has also illustrated for The Globe and Mail and The New York Times. Lily studied illustration at OCAD University and is currently attending The Drawing Year Scholarship Program at The Royal Drawing School in London, England.
Data provided by BiblioShare.
What reviewers said
"This reassuring story will help children who, like Jeffrey, find comfort in structure and routine understand that change is not only possible, but that overcoming a big hurdle can also be rewarding ... Proof that adapting to change is not only possible, but also genuinely enjoyable."
"Jeffrey Loves Blue is a sweet story about a boy who is motivated to show caring and empathy for another child by trying something new and different. Although it’s difficult for him, Jeffrey is able to make a change and the result opens up new and exciting possibilities for him. This book is a perfect way to teach young children on the spectrum about the benefits of trying something outside of their comfort zone. I wholeheartedly recommend this book."
"Encourages children to consider the feelings of others and take steps toward adapting."
"Humorous and poignant ... Highly recommended."
"What a beautiful and thoughtful story about Jeffrey and how he learned to be brave and overcome his fears for his friend. Snowden-Fine's illustrations adeptly captured Jeffrey's anguish as he had to make a big decision, bringing the story to life in an accessible way for young readers ... The book is a great educational resource for both children and adults alike and it has been an invaluable asset to my collection of therapy materials for my practice. Hats off to Garbutt and Snowden-Fine for the best new book to hit the shelves in a long time, and I foresee it becoming a 'must read' for the…
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